Garmin Edge 500 v. 705

[brodymom]

I currently have the Forerunner 450cx and use it for running and cycling but when it comes to longer rides, it doesn't hold a charge. I am thinking about investing in a GPS device that is designed for cycling and would like to know if anyone has the Edge 500 and what you think about it. From what I can tell, it does basically what the Forerunner 405 does but holds a charge longer. The real question is whether the 705 is worth the extra money? Any insights will be appreciated.

[OakLeaf]

The main differences are (1) mapping and (2) training modes.

If you use the computer primarily for training, and you want the ability to set up interval workouts, have pace alerts, etc., then the 500 isn't your best choice. But you can probably still find a 305 that does have that ability. If you do multiple sports and don't require a barometric altimeter, you could look at a 310XT or any number of computers from other manufacturers.

What distinguishes the 705 from all the other fitness computers is the mapping capability. If you like to ride in unfamiliar places; if you're a ride leader or a participant in a lot of group rides; or if you're like me and can get lost on a football field, then the peace of mind from the 705's maps is worth every penny.

When you say "longer rides," what kind of times are you talking about? If you're talking about overnights, you can recharge any Garmin with a USB battery pack. If it's just that your battery is worn out on your (did you mean 405?), it might be worth it to find out what it would cost for them to replace the battery in it.

[maillotpois]

I have a 500 and love it - miles better than the old 305. I do not use it for mapping, however. I have not yet tested it on a more than 6 hour ride, though, so I don't know how long it would last. I am hopeful that it will not need a battery pack for 12 plus hour rides like the 305 did.

[Miranda]

I have the 705 and one deciding factor for me was the built in altimeter.

When I have ever went to buy something, and as soon as I am purchasing the whatever... and I am already having thoughts of "when can I upgrade and get the next up?". Well...

Time to just bite the bullet and get what I really wanted to start with and be done with it. Saves re-sale lose $ that way.

It's not a season trendy designer jersey that I may love one year... and hate the next. I use it every ride as a gear staple. Big diff. Kinda like an investment.

So the voices in my head tell me anyway:rolleyes:;).

EDIT: Just as Oakleaf is saying, it is also nice to be able to say to the unit: "find nearest gas station convenience store"... and have something come up when you are lost bonked in BFE to get fuel to drag it in home.

[maillotpois]

I have the 705 and one deciding factor for me was the built in altimeter.


FWIW, the 500 also has an altimeter.

[marni]

I was worried about my 205 running out of charge on the cross country distances and riding times last year and went to radio shack and bought a charger that I could plug it into on the bike. Took along a bunch of zip ties and on the longer days, zipped to the aerobar plugged in the garmin and bingo.

You might want to get it checked because they are supposed to be good for about 8 hours, if yours is fading faster there may be a problem.

marni

[OakLeaf]

Marni, I've wondered about that (although it's never been an issue for me) -

did you have to rig a different mount? It doesn't seem like the USB port is accessible when the computer is in the OEM mount.

and, is there a danger of water getting into the USB port?

[Pedal Wench]

Marni, I've wondered about that (although it's never been an issue for me) -

did you have to rig a different mount? It doesn't seem like the USB port is accessible when the computer is in the OEM mount.

and, is there a danger of water getting into the USB port?

I do this all the time. It's very easy on a handlebar mount, and just a bit tight on the stem. Yeah, if it's raining, there's no way I would do it, but then again, I lost a 305 on a rainy ride, so if it's sprinkling, the whole thing is in a ziploc.

Edit: and I LOVE my 705. I do brevets, so having the maps to see if there's food around, or to see the surrounding area if the map and cue sheets don't jibe. I love preprogramming a ride, and having the turns and map detail pop up before a turn, with a beep. I love the adjustable backlit, so I can keep it on, but really dim at night. Love it all!

[Jiffer]

I have a 500 and love it - miles better than the old 305. I do not use it for mapping, however. I have not yet tested it on a more than 6 hour ride, though, so I don't know how long it would last. I am hopeful that it will not need a battery pack for 12 plus hour rides like the 305 did.

Just curious ... how is it better? Dh and I have the 305. He upgraded to ... I think the 500 and decided it wasn't worth the extra money. It actually may have been the 705, I'm not sure now. Anyway, he only used it briefly and went back to the 305, which is pretty shocking since he usually has to have the latest and greatest of everything. He "intended" to sell the newer one on eBay, but apparently lost it! :mad:

Anywho, I'm just curious what's miles better about the 500 than the 305. As for mapping and/or finding a gas station, etc., we have an iPhone for the rare times we need that, but you don't even use the mapping.

[maillotpois]

Just curious ... how is it better? Dh and I have the 305. He upgraded to ... I think the 500 and decided it wasn't worth the extra money. It actually may have been the 705, I'm not sure now. Anyway, he only used it briefly and went back to the 305, which is pretty shocking since he usually has to have the latest and greatest of everything. He "intended" to sell the newer one on eBay, but apparently lost it! :mad:

Anywho, I'm just curious what's miles better about the 500 than the 305. As for mapping and/or finding a gas station, etc., we have an iPhone for the rare times we need that, but you don't even use the mapping.

The 500 is a completely different animal than the 305. If his new unit looked anything like the 305, then it is the 705 and not the 500. If you think you are able to use your Garmin for mapping then you also do not have the 500.

Why do I prefer the 500 to the 305? The 500 is smaller with a larger brighter display; the battery will last MUCH longer than the 305, which required me to run a battery pack for rides over 12 hours; it doesn't short out and completely shut down as the 305s were known to do (even my newer one started to do this); it is a better looking unit (IMHO).

[bluebug32]

I had the 305, now have the 500. My fiance has the 705.

The 500 has an altimeter and supposedly measures vertical climbing speed (though I have no idea of its accuracy at doing this)

You can program workouts into the 500 just like the 305.

You can also program in courses (ie: maps, but without the actual road names). I'll map a route using Bikeroutetoaster.com and upload to the 500. It beeps when I need to turn and tells me which direction to go. There's no actual map, but I've never gotten lost using the 500 this way.

I also like the 500 becuase it's a little more streamlined than the bulkier 305 and 705. It's easy to program and seems to have everything I need. My only gripe is that I haven't figured out how to display maximum speed on one of the three display panels. Anyone know if I can or if Garmin screwed this up? I can download it after the ride, just can't see it during.

[brodymom]

Thanks for all the feedback. I ended up exchanging my Forerunner 405 for yet another one (kudos to REI for taking it back!). I also went for the Edge 500 based on price and size. From what I could tell, the 500 captures the same data that the Forerunner does plus more. It looks like you need to actually plug it in to upload the data- right? Does the ANT Agent work with it? I will see when I have time to play with it. Looking forward to using the Edge on my next ride...Again, thanks!:)

[OakLeaf]

Here's Garmin's own comparison page (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=160&compareProduct=36728&compareProduct=10885&compareProduct=331) among the 305, 500 and 705.

Bluebug, it's weird you say you can program workouts into your 500 when Garmin says you can't. Do you have to "trick" it somehow?

[Catrin]

This thread has been greatly interesting - it seems apparent that each model fills a different need and that is a good thing. So far I am still focusing on the 705...but we will see what I get when I actually have the money and skills to justify it :D

[Pedal Wench]

Here's Garmin's own comparison page (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=160&compareProduct=36728&compareProduct=10885&compareProduct=331) among the 305, 500 and 705.

Bluebug, it's weird you say you can program workouts into your 500 when Garmin says you can't. Do you have to "trick" it somehow?

*I think* Bluebug is programming in courses, which it can do, not workouts, which it can't. You can create a route online and then use the Garmin's to "beep" at you when to turn. I still love that the 705 beeps and shows a detailed image of the turn as it approaches - nice when it's a three-way intersection and you're not sure exactly which left turn to take.

[Jiffer]

The 500 is a completely different animal than the 305. If his new unit looked anything like the 305, then it is the 705 and not the 500. If you think you are able to use your Garmin for mapping then you also do not have the 500.

Why do I prefer the 500 to the 305? The 500 is smaller with a larger brighter display; the battery will last MUCH longer than the 305, which required me to run a battery pack for rides over 12 hours; it doesn't short out and completely shut down as the 305s were known to do (even my newer one started to do this); it is a better looking unit (IMHO).

Cool. Thanks for the info. Your post caused me to dig deeper into researching the Garmin options. The one my husband tried was the 705. I had no idea the 500 was an even newer one. It DOES look nice. We looked at it on the internet together and now I actually know what to get him for his birthday. ;) And what to tell him I "need" for mine a month later. Ha ha! Glad this thread came up. :)

[bluebug32]

Here's Garmin's own comparison page (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=160&compareProduct=36728&compareProduct=10885&compareProduct=331) among the 305, 500 and 705.

Bluebug, it's weird you say you can program workouts into your 500 when Garmin says you can't. Do you have to "trick" it somehow?

I can program specific workouts (intervals, etc.) through Garmin Training center and download them to the 500 to run. I can do this with courses too. I think this is what you mean, right?

By the way, can anyone get max. speed on their 500? I swear it isn't a display option. How strange.

[tattiefritter]

By the way, can anyone get max. speed on their 500? I swear it isn't a display option. How strange.

I can, I'm sure I can. I will check tonight but I'm pretty sure as the last road ride I did I hit a new max of 43.9 mph descending (scared myself a bit, still not very confident descending on the road) and it was there on one of the screens as I had configured it. I think the display option it may have came as part of a firmware upgrade? I had a lot of problems with my Edge 500 initially until I upgraded the firmware and each upgrade introduced new functionality - problems were mainly getting it to talk to Training Centre.

[tattiefritter]

Have checked my Edge 500 and I definitely have Max Speed set to display on one of the screens.

[bluebug32]

Thank you!!! I'll have to check out the Firmware updates. Are they on the Garmin website?

[tattiefritter]

They should be available from the Garmin site or Garmin connect, think you need the Garmin Web Updater to apply it to the unit.

One of the firmware upgrades did reset everything on my unit to factory settings though, scrubbing display choices, bike details, autopause settings etc so it may be worth noting what you have set up in case it does it to you. It did warn of it prior to the upgrade though.

[OakLeaf]

Yes - AFAIK firmware updates on all their devices clear your settings, and they also make the history inaccessible, so make sure you've downloaded all your activities before updating and made a backup (you may as well erase your history at that point, too).

I will say that although I'm really not familiar with the 500 at all, it's generally a good idea to take a look at the Garmin forums before applying any firmware patch. I don't update mine automatically any more. :( Taking into account that any software/firmware update will cause problems for some people - and taking into account that the internets tend to magnify the scope of problems just because thousands of happy customers don't go around complaining or looking for tech support - still, if I'm not having problems with whatever firmware I'm running, I usually wait a couple-three weeks to find out if a lot of people, especially the experienced users, are having trouble with the patch.

JME...

[tattiefritter]

I agree with Oakleaf so do some research on what the upgrades provide, I had annoying problems with my Edge 500 that were solved with some firmware updates and everything is going swimmingly so far since upgrade. I never really bother updating my forerunner 305 unit as it does everything I want just fine and I probably won't be doing much upgrading of the Edge 500 now unless there is new functionality I want that is provided by upgrade - though can't imagine what.

[maillotpois]

Here's a great review of the new 500:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/garmin-edge-500-gps-review

[BikeDutchess]

And here's another in depth review: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/11/garmin-edge-500-in-depth-review.html

I must say I'm really tempted...I'm so tired of my 305 powering off all the time.

[Aggie_Ama]

What about the 605? Garmin lists it as a cycling computer. DH and I are hoping to buy Garmins, leaning towards the 500 because the 705 is a little steep for the mixed bag reviews.

When you say mapping do you mean like a car GPS where you won't get lost? Or the little downloads that show your course?

[OakLeaf]

Both.

I've never used mine to navigate on the bici, but I've used it a couple of times in the car. The user interface is essentially the same as the Garmin car GPS's my DH uses. You have the option to set it to navigate by car, bicycle or walking; and under that, you can choose to avoid unpaved roads (not entirely accurate, but some help), toll roads and/or limited access highways. (obviously the bicycling and pedestrian options eliminate limited access roads by default).

Mostly I use it the other way, to guide me along a route I or someone else has already mapped on mapmyride or ridewithgps.

Either way, I would hate to be without it.

But I don't know what the 605 does that the 500 doesn't?

[feral1]

I have a 500 and love it:D I got mine on E-bay for $250....a lot cheaper than other sites. As for getting it wet...I got soaked in 2 downpours the other day and it seems very water tight.Kinda wished I got the one with the GPS too since I get lost leaving the driveway.....but that's what my husband is for :p

[Aggie_Ama]

Looks like the 605 has a lot of the functions minus cadence and HR. I never liked cadence on my Cateye, so much I didn't put the censor on my new bike! I have a Polar. DH will want these features so the 500 is likely better for him.

The local mountain bikers share gpx files, does that only show the elevation? How about the coordinates of the trail? I am a gadget dunce but I did upload some custom POIs to my Garmin Nuvi. I was hoping these files they share were like that?

[OakLeaf]

A .gpx plots coordinates on a map to generate a route. If you have a 705 or one of the non-cycling computers with mapping capability, it'll plot those on a street map or on whatever mapset you purchase. A 605, 305 or 500 will use whatever basemap it comes with.

I wouldn't have a clue how to upload POIs to a GPS. But you would have to use the navigation feature to get from where you are to the POI. To use a route that you, not the computer, have planned, you need a .gpx or a .crs (course file, which contains some other data like target speed - they're also supposedly more accurate for routing).

[Aggie_Ama]

I think the POIs are a gpx file. It is awesome because I now have GPS to every mountain bike trail in Texas on a website that has pretty much every mountain bike trail in Texas! I only ran into a problem getting to Lance's Ranch, Garmin wanted you to cross a field. But using the street it is on didn't work either.

Ok, I think Bluebug can do everything I want. I don't care about a map of the road, but like the beep for turn idea. The 500 looks more practical since I will be taking it on the mountain bike too and the people I have seen with the bigger ones it just looks awkward. Doesn't seem as big an issue on the road. Still pondering though, it is such a big investment no matter which you choose!

[Blue_Fedora]

I have a 500 and use it for cycling AND for running. I also am very addicted to the information it provides when I upload to GarminConnect. I have all my runs and rides loaded and have never once regretted getting it... nor have I ever regretted not getting the 705 which is physically bigger and has more bells/whistles than I need.

[Catrin]

So the 500 does maps and GPS? For some reason I did not think this one did. Time for more research, I need something to take exploring with me...

[OakLeaf]

Nothing's as good for exploring as a paper map. The screen on any GPS is just too small to get the big picture, or to be able to scroll around while maintaining reference to where you are.

Laptop, or paper map... which one fits better in your jersey pocket? ;) The GPS is terrific for navigating pre-planned routes, locating yourself on a map, or bailing yourself out when you're really lost, but I wouldn't rely on it for exploring.

[Catrin]

Nothing's as good for exploring as a paper map. The screen on any GPS is just too small to get the big picture, or to be able to scroll around while maintaining reference to where you are.

Laptop, or paper map... which one fits better in your jersey pocket? ;) The GPS is terrific for navigating pre-planned routes, locating yourself on a map, or bailing yourself out when you're really lost, but I wouldn't rely on it for exploring.

Good points - and as a geographer and someone who makes her living with maps and data - I could never divorce myself from paper maps! The problem is my sunglasses don't have a bifocal :o Oh well, I have to stop to look at a bigger map anyway - will just try and use a larger font size for cue sheets... I think the answer will be both/and.

[Aggie_Ama]

I can program specific workouts (intervals, etc.) through Garmin Training center and download them to the 500 to run. I can do this with courses too. I think this is what you mean, right?





You can also program in courses (ie: maps, but without the actual road names). I'll map a route using Bikeroutetoaster.com and upload to the 500. It beeps when I need to turn and tells me which direction to go. There's no actual map, but I've never gotten lost using the 500 this way.


Catrin- That is what I am basing my opinion on. I can think of times the full map would have bailed me out of a sticky situation but probably 99% it would be overkill.

[OakLeaf]

Good points - and as a geographer and someone who makes her living with maps and data - I could never divorce myself from paper maps! The problem is my sunglasses don't have a bifocal :o Oh well, I have to stop to look at a bigger map anyway - will just try and use a larger font size for cue sheets... I think the answer will be both/and.

Larger font size for cue sheets (I think I'm up to 36 pt on the moto now :rolleyes: - but those, I have to be able to read a lot faster), and also a credit card-sized magnifier or pair of compact reading glasses in the jersey pocket.

I can handle the legs and lungs I have now. I want my 18-year-old eyes back.

[Aggie_Ama]

I got the 500 today but not the bundle since I don't need cadence (or won't use). I will just order the chest strap off the internet. The 500 seemed like a better fit for my short stems and love affair with mountain biking in rocky Texas. The mount is different and looking at the two possibly more secure. Can't wait to get playing with it.

[OakLeaf]

Unless you have really sensitive skin or a really tiny ribcage (smaller than a 32 bra), get the old style "hard" chest strap. Lots of people have been complaining about both the sensitivity and the durability of the "premium" soft straps.

Even if you do have really thin skin, you can mostly keep the hard strap from chafing with a combination of tape and Body Glide. And it's much less of an issue cycling than running, anyway.

[Catrin]

Unless you have really sensitive skin or a really tiny ribcage (smaller than a 32 bra), get the old style "hard" chest strap. Lots of people have been complaining about both the sensitivity and the durability of the "premium" soft straps.

Even if you do have really thin skin, you can mostly keep the hard strap from chafing with a combination of tape and Body Glide. And it's much less of an issue cycling than running, anyway.

This is good to know. My Polar HRM has a nice soft fabric strap that is great...pity Garmin's is not.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks for the information on the strap, I found the hard one for about $30 on the internet so I am trying that.

Does anyone know how to get a Gpx file on the Edge 500? I have one with coordinates for the South Boundary Trail in NM but I can't figure out how to program it. The ones I have uploaded before weren't a GPX after all. :confused:

FWIW - It appears the 500 now supports workouts. I am not sure how they work but they are in the training center, maybe I will investigate for fun later this week. I don't do workouts for training but DH does so that may be a factor if he wants one.

[OakLeaf]

When you plug the 500 into your computer, does it appear on your desktop as a removable drive, the way the 705 does?

On the 705, there's a folder called Garmin and inside that, a folder called GPX. I just drop the route in the GPX folder, then when I turn the unit on, it comes up under Where To>Saved Rides.

Not sure if the 500 is the same, though.